About an hour east of Toronto lies a hidden forest where towering ancient pine trees have stood for generations, giving visitors a rare glimpse into Ontario’s past.
Thickson’s Woods is a protected woodland nestled in Whitby that’s home to the last remaining old-growth white pine forest along the northern shore of Lake Ontario, making it one of the province’s rarest natural treasures!
According to the Thickson’s Woods Land Trust, 1.8 kilometres of marked walking trails wind through the nature reserve, leading through the forest and a neighbouring meadow. The property also includes wetlands and 400 metres of Lake Ontario shoreline along the Waterfront Trail.
And it’s a perfect spot for wildlife lovers. Because the reserve sits at the intersection of two major bird migration routes, the towering pines offer a key resting spot for countless songbirds each spring and fall. The area supports more than 300 bird species, including 75 rare species and 20 considered at risk in the province.
Apart from birds, you might also spot Monarch butterflies, over 1,200 species of moths, and, on the rare occasion, a Great Horned Owl!
Admission to the site is free, and there are no set operating hours, but visitors are asked to stick to the marked trails to help protect the natural environment.
And if you’re making the trip from Toronto, try to spend a little extra time exploring Whitby. The town features chic indie shops and a charming historic downtown core centered around the “Four Corners” at Brock and Dundas Streets (so, a perfect place for an afternoon stroll).
Stop by Belle Vie Café & Bakery on Brock St. North for freshly baked French pastries, then head over to Station Gallery, a community art centre nestled inside a beautifully restored railway station dating back to 1903.
Before heading home, take a few Insta pics along the waterfront at Kiwanis Heydenshore Park (you’ll have the most gorgeous views of Lake Ontario and picturesque sunsets all year around).
If you’re looking for more travel ideas, check out this hidden boardwalk near Toronto that winds 16 feet above the forest floor for a magical fall escape!